89 Christians Released in Northern Nigeria Amidst Ongoing Violence and Kidnappings

• 89 Christians, abducted in mid-January from three churches in Kurmin Wali village, Kaduna state, have been released.
• The worshippers were snatched during Sunday services on January 18, part of a wave of mass abductions targeting both Christians and Muslims.
• Kaduna state Governor Uba Sani confirmed 183 people were initially abducted, with 11 escaping and 83 returning earlier.
• The circumstances of their release are undisclosed; paying ransom is illegal but suspected to be a regular government practice.
• The incident highlights ongoing insecurity in Nigeria, drawing international scrutiny and US involvement against militant groups.